Regulation on RTO consultants and RTO resource providers
It is important that a government body regulates RTO consultants and RTO resource providers to ensure that the information they provide is accurate and compliant with training package requirements, assessment principles and rules of evidence. This will help students achieve the desired outcomes of their training.
RTO consultants and resource providers play a vital role in the operation of registered training organisations (RTOs). They provide essential services and resources that enable RTOs to deliver quality training programs.
However, it is important that these organisations are properly regulated to ensure that they are providing accurate information and resources that meet the required standards.
There are currently a lot of unscrupulous practices going on, which reflect negatively on the entire industry. We believe that some form of regulation is imperative for maintaining standards and preventing malpractices. In too many cases, students have received sub-standard resources from their RTOs, which left them unable to maximise the benefits of their courses. The result is that they often have to retake courses or even drop out altogether. Employees who are not properly trained also cause problems for employers. The result can be decreased productivity, accidents, and even legal ramifications.
You can see some of the case studies here that support the need for regulation in this sector, but please note that they are just a couple of examples, the actual situation is far worse.
An RTO client told us about using two consultants, who took money, never completed the work, and are now unresponsive. We completed the work that was left unfinished even though we could not help her get her money back.
It was brought to our attention that an RTO consultant was using documents from another RTO, with that RTO's branding on it. This is clearly not an acceptable practice in the industry.
After purchasing RTO resources from an RTO resource provider, a client found themselves with material that was not up to standard. The provider had simply copied and pasted sections of the training package, without providing any student instructions or tasks. There were also no word limits on questions and a number of other critical gaps.
One client told us how she paid exorbitant fees for services for a consultant that was not necessarily required. Most of the documents she purchased were not very useful.
A VET provider employs a consultant to help them develop a new training program. The consultant produces a shoddy piece of work that is full of errors. The consultant refused to assist with getting the resources fixed when we asked them to do so.
A VET provider employs a consultant to write their training and assessment materials. However, the consultant plagiarises large portions of the materials from other publishers.
The regulation on resource providers and consultants will help to ensure that only quality services are provided to students and that they are not taken advantage of in any way. It will also help to protect the reputation of the industry as a whole.
The regulation of RTO consultants and resource providers should include:
- Ensuring that inaccurate information is not provided to people who want to open an RTO
- Ensuring that all RTO resources comply with training package requirements, principles of assessment and rules of evidence
- Ensuring that RTO resources are fit for purpose and will help students achieve the desired outcomes of their training.
- It is essential to have some work experience and qualifications before entering the industry.
- Professional development training on an ongoing basis
It is essential that any regulation on RTO consultants and RTO resource providers is designed in a way that makes compliance easy to understand and follow. Furthermore, it is important that there are mechanisms in place to enforce compliance so that those who do not meet the required standards are held accountable.
By regulating RTO consultants and resource providers, we can ensure that students receive the best possible training and that RTOs are able to deliver quality programs.
We hope that the relevant authorities will take our views into consideration and put in place necessary regulations at the earliest.
